Roots - Sally and Clara Ermann - After the Death of Fritz

My grandmother had then to face many uncertainties and difficulties. Could she stay in the flat which was rented in my father's name. Was there enough money to cover all living expenses. Who was to be appointed guardian required by law for Oswald and Lore. Meanwhile, the Nazi persecution of Jews became worse by the day and people were desperate to leave the country. Oma took in lodgers, mainly families who were waiting for visas to find refuge in any country willing to accept them. Those who stayed were deported in 1942.

"The family who live with us are emigrating shortly to Brazil and I already worry if I can find new lodgers because all who have the possibility of leaving do so and no one is allowed to come from outside."

Source unidentified but likely to be a letter from Clara to Lore in the late 1930s

Life became increasingly difficult. The Nazi order had gone out that Jews were prohibited from entering shops to buy food. The situation was becoming desperate and my grandparents were saved by Lucie.

Lucie was the maid who came to work for us after my mother died. She became devoted to us and helped my grandmother in the house in every way possible. She married a widower with sons and in due course had herself a son by him. Disregarding all possible danger to herself and consequently to her own family, she brought food into the house.

“When we lived together with your grandparents in the Scheffelstr. 11 before we came to Theresienstadt, we often spent nice happy hours there, despite constant danger. A very special thanks goes to Frau Ermann’s former maid (I can’t remember her name). You will know surely who I mean. Due only to her that we did not then die miserably of hunger. Whatever she was able to do, she did, and schlepped provisions to us under greatest possible danger.”

Letter from Alice Moses 24.07.46.

Translation
Letter from Lucie to Lore, Frankfurt/M  18.16.1946

My beloved Lore,

With great pleasure I heard about you from Family Schmitt. I hope our dear Oswald is also in good hands and we shall soon hear from him. I am so very very sorry about Oma Ehrmann, that she had to suffer so much, poor soul and was always so kind and good really I have hardly ever met such dear people in my life as the Jakobis and Ehrmanns and you dear Lorchen and Oswald have lost your dear parents and grandparents so early. I often go to their grave we live so close.

I also heard that you were married six months ago I am very happy and wish you all the best you were always such a good child. Do you still remember that you always had 0 mistakes at school. I always think of it. I hope to hear from you very soon and send you my greetings.

Your old Lucie

Best regards too from my husband and Karl. Am enclosing a photo of him.

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